2. Advocating at the international level - UN human rights mechanisms

The UN has a vast universe of agencies. While bodies like UNEP (Environment) or FAO (Food and Agriculture) produce valuable reports and data, engaging with them often requires high-level networking and long-term diplomacy. For EHRDs needing advocacy leverage, there is a more direct and powerful entry point: The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Think of OHCHR not just as an office, but as the central nervous system of the UN human rights machinery. It is the secretariat that powers the Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures, and the Human Rights Council that you’ve learned about in this course.

What is OHCHR?

Led by the High Commissioner, OHCHR’s mandate is to promote and protect human rights for all. Unlike political bodies, it acts as a technical expert, a coordinator and works with all stakeholders, including EHRDs.

• A connector: It supports all the mechanisms we’ve studied (Treaty Bodies, Special Rapporteurs, Council sessions etc.). If you need to reach them, OHCHR could be seen as the bridge among them
• A monitor: It documents violations globally and speaks out when States fail (based on information received from civil society).
• An advisor: It provides technical assistance to Governments and National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) to improve laws and policies.
• A resource hub: It produces the guidelines, fact sheets, and legal interpretations you use in your advocacy. The Human Rights Council can also mandate the Office to prepare specific reports including on climate and the environment.

Note: While other UN agencies, like UNEP (Environment) or FAO (Food and Agriculture) focus on policy (e.g., "how to manage forests"), OHCHR focuses on people and rights (e.g., "how to protect the defenders saving those forests").

How to engage with OHCHR?

Track 1: Engaging with Geneva (the global level)

• Who to contact: Look for the specific focal points or officers dedicated to Environment, Climate Change, Business & Human Rights, or Indigenous Peoples. (Check the OHCHR Topics Page or ask Geneva-based NGOs like ISHR to connect you).

• What to do:

  • Share Information: Send them concise briefings on your situation. They need reliable ground-level data to inform UN mechanisms. Provide inputs when there is a call to prepare OHRCHR reports.
  • Seek strategic advice: While they cannot intervene directly in every case, they can advise on which UN mechanism (e.g., a Specific Rapporteur or Treaty Body) is best suited for your struggle.
  • Request connection: Ask them to facilitate contact with relevant Special Procedures or Treaty Body members. You can also ask them to provide you with contacts with the regional or country offices.

• Method: Email, virtual meetings, or submitting reports throughout the year.

Track 2: Engaging with Country Offices (the local level) or Regional offices (when there is no OHCHR presence in your country)

• Who to contact: The OHCHR Field Office or Regional Office in your country/region. These offices are often small and understaffed. They may not have a dedicated "environment" desk, but still, it’s good to be connected.

• What to do:

  • Introduce yourself: Make your organisation known. Build a relationship before a crisis hits.
  • Be specific: Don’t just say "we need help". Ask for concrete support: "Can you organise a training on digital security?" or "Can you facilitate a dialogue between our community and the National Human Rights Institution?"
  • Leverage their presence: Their mere presence in your country can offer a layer of protective accompaniment. Inviting them to visit your territory sends a signal to perpetrators that the world is watching.

You are now done with chapter 2! Let’s wrap-up it all to summarise key takeaways to prepare your strategy using international mechanisms.